Knicks News: De’Aaron Fox eyed as next John Wall, want to team up with Kristaps Porzingis in New York

Months before the 2017 NBA draft, Kentucky Wildcats point guard De’Aaron Fox expressed his intention to play for the New York Knicks and team up with Kristaps Porzingis. Despite his lack of knowledge of Phil Jackson’s offensive strategy, Fox believes he can help the Knicks and learn the triangle offense quickly.

“I’ve seen it,” Fox said. “I don’t know too much about the triangle. Everyone says it’s hard to learn. But if I have to go in there and have to play in it, I’ll learn quickly. And Porzingis, he’s amazing. Watching him, what he did this year — I really paid attention to the NBA this year because I’m about to go into this business — man, he’s great. If I’m able to play with him, I feel we can do something special.”

Will the New York Knicks draft De’Aaron Fox?

De’Aaron Fox only played one season with the Kentucky Wildcats, helping them enter the round of 8 in the N.C.A.A. tournament. He’s a smooth playmaker and known for his defense. Fox recently showed up at the NBA Draft Combine and met with Knicks president Phil Jackson on Wednesday.

In the NBA draft lottery, the Knicks got the No. 8 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Jackson revealed that they’ll be zeroing on guards or wings who can play alongside Kristaps Porzingis. The decision didn’t come as a surprise since the Knicks are projected to lose both Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony this summer.

The Knicks considered Fox as special. Some people in Knicks’ front office believe he could be a toss-up with Markelle Fultz because of his defense. Fox already met with eight teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, it seems like he’s very interested in playing for the Knicks and said that it was “cool” to meet the “Zen Master.” If the first seven teams passed on him, it will not be a surprise if the Knicks select him as the No. 8 pick in the upcoming draft.

De’Aaron Fox compared to Washington Wizards star John Wall

Kentucky coach John Calipari believes De’Aaron Fox could be the next John Wall of the NBA. However, according to Calipari, it can only happen if Fox will use his speed as a weapon.

“Everyone says John,” Fox said. “I see the speed, but the way he creates for his teammates, if I can get to that level of playmaking, I think I’ll be great. If I can surpass that, so be it.”